Do you know where the collective voice of the Catholic bishops in Germany resides? Here, in Bonn at the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz. It serves as the heart of the Catholic Church’s operations in Germany. The Deutsche Bischofskonferenz unites the bishops from all dioceses across the nation. This includes not only diocesan bishops but also coadjutors and auxiliary bishops. In 2019 the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz comprised 67 members from 27 German dioceses.
The Deutsche Bischofskonferenz isn’t just a modern creation. Its roots trace back to earlier gatherings of German bishops. The first such conference convened in Würzburg in 1848. Later, in 1867, bishops met in Fulda at the grave of Saint Boniface. This meeting evolved into a fixed institution. The modern Deutsche Bischofskonferenz considers this earlier organization its predecessor.
What exactly does the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz do? According to its statutes, it exists to study and promote common pastoral tasks. It facilitates mutual consultation. The Deutsche Bischofskonferenz coordinates church work. It issues joint decisions. The Deutsche Bischofskonferenz maintains connections with other bishops’ conferences. It is not a representative of German dioceses to the Holy See. Instead, it is an establishment of the Holy See within Germany.
Let’s talk about how the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz operates. The highest authority is the plenary assembly. This includes diocesan bishops, coadjutors, and auxiliary bishops. Leaders of other Catholic churches also participate as advisory members. The assembly elects the chairman and other officials. It also issues doctrinal statements and general decrees.
The members convene twice yearly for four-day plenary sessions. Spring sessions take place in varying locations. Autumn sessions always occur in Fulda.
The Deutsche Bischofskonferenz also has a standing council. Each of the 27 dioceses is represented by its local ordinary or a delegate. The standing council decides on the recipients of the Catholic Children’s and Youth Book Prize. This prize has been awarded annually since 1979.
Leading the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz is a chairman. This must be a diocesan bishop. The chairman is elected by a two-thirds majority vote for a six-year term. A chairman can be re-elected. He leads the plenary assembly and the standing council. The chairman sets the agenda. The chairman represents the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz externally and is bound by its decisions.
The Secretariat of the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz supports the chairman and members in their duties. It coordinates the work of the Episcopal Commissions. The Secretariat is responsible for the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz’s public relations. The Secretariat is headed by the secretary general.
Various Episcopal Commissions address specific areas of church life. These include commissions for faith, ecumenism, and pastoral care. There are commissions for liturgy and social issues.
In February 2024, the German bishops clearly distanced themselves from right-wing extremism. They did this in their peace message “Peace be to this house”. They also did it in their statement “Ethnic nationalism and Christianity are incompatible”. They emphasized that right-wing extremist parties are not an option for Christians.
The Deutsche Bischofskonferenz continues to address important issues. These include the abuse scandals and the synodal path. It deals with equality and the separation from right-wing extremism. Through its various bodies and commissions, the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz addresses vital issues facing the Catholic Church in Germany. It strives to provide guidance and leadership in a rapidly changing world.